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The precipitous decline in barrenground caribou numbers is fast becoming a crisis, not only in the territory, but just about everywhere on the planet where people depend on caribou for their livelihood.

Yet a clear explanation on what exactly is happening to them remains frustratingly out of reach.

Considering how important caribou are to the people of the North, and how long the question of whether emergency conservation measures are needed to save barrenground caribou, it is surprising – some might say deeply disappointing – what little is known about why the herds are in trouble.

Some still question whether caribou herds are really crashing, and whether the population numbers provided by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) are merely inaccurate.

An independent peer review released in May 2009 by the Alberta Research Council found the department's methodology in conducting herd counts to be more or less sound, stating, "The existing data did not reveal any evidence that the observed decline in some herds is an artifact of neglect or intent by ENR biologists."

In other words, the way in which the GNWT surveys caribou populations – by taking aerial photographs of calving grounds, counting how many caribou appear and extrapolating that information into an overall population for individual herds – is not a problem.

While some inconsistencies in the time of year herds were counted were noted, the study authors ultimately agreed with the department that the Bathurst, Bluenose-East, Bluenose-West and Cape Bathurst herds are in decline, and that conservation efforts were warranted for those herds.

News/North believes the caribou populations are crashing. Not only because ENR says so, but because barrenground caribou are also disappearing in Nunavut, Nunavik and elsewhere.

Something is clearly going on. So, what is it?

People use buzzwords such as "climate change" to explain away their demise. But if that's the case, where are the bodies on the ground? If caribou were dropping dead like bees, it only makes sense that someone would have found a pile or two of their carcasses by now.

Mining activity is also being blamed. It is true the winter road from Yellowknife to the diamond mines cuts through caribou migration routes. It is also true that winter roads and other highways put hunters at an easy reach when caribou wander close to the roadways. But, again, where is the data? Where is the information from collared caribou that show caribou are avoiding mine sites and roadways?

Also being blamed are the hunters. On the surface, over-harvesting makes sense. There would be no carcasses left on the land – at least if proper harvesting practices are being followed. There is currently no way to know for sure how many caribou are harvested in the NWT each year – nor are there intergovernmental agreements in place on many of the herds to create a final tally for those animals that migrate over borders throughout the year.

However, upon deeper inspection it cannot be as simple a fix as limiting the caribou harvest – even if everyone bought into that idea. Caribou are still disappearing at an alarming rate in regions outside of the territory.

This is where traditional knowledge can hopefully fill in the many gaps left by the scientific knowledge about barrenground caribou. Time and time again, TK has been proven right. So, when people such as Dettah Chief Ed Sangris say the Bathurst herd has joined up with the Beverly and Ahiak herd, that needs to be investigated.

What is needed is an intensive research process that looks at all the possibilities of what could be killing off barrenground caribou. For this, the territory needs federal and even international help. Detailed satellite data is needed, not just photos taken out of the window of an airplane. People are needed to sit and listen to elders talk about the caribou.

Only once all that information is gathered together in the same place can the mystery of what is happening to the caribou be solved.

To hopefully help spread some of the traditional knowledge that has so far been overshadowed by scientific evidence, News/North is going to begin intensely exploring the issue by talking to as many elders and people who spend time on the land as we can. If you or someone you know can help us in this endeavour, please get in touch.

So many questions remain about what is happening to the caribou and, frankly, the answers so far are unsatisfactory.

It is perhaps fitting for a former school teacher to face some tests of his own.

Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau is on his Northern tour this week and plans to be in Iqaluit Jan. 12 and 13.

His visit to Nunavut follows two stops in the NWT, the first at the Sunrise Festival in Inuvik and the second a series of appearances, including a fundraising dinner in the capital, Yellowknife.

The issues of public concern in Nunavut, of course, are quite different than those in the neighbouring territory, which completed its negotiations toward the devolution of powers to the territorial government from Ottawa with an agreement last April.

Nunavut is in the early days of its own process to take over stewardship of land and water resources from the federal government with Premier Peter Taptuna's recent announcement of the appointment of negotiators.

On the other hand, Nunavut is far more open for business than its neighbour to the west. Its regulatory process is clearly defined and big projects are actively operating or in development.

We'd like to hear Trudeau's thoughts on the need for more resource development, considering his opposition in 2005 to a $100-million zinc mine proposed for the NWT he argued would poison the pristine Nahanni River, which flows through a United Nations World Heritage Site.

Nunavut has a couple of areas of concern in regards to the relationship between Inuit wishing to continue a traditional lifestyle of hunting, fishing and trapping versus big international business interests. Seismic testing approved by the National Energy Board in Baffin Bay and Davis Strait is being opposed by the hamlet of Clyde River and supporters.

And the Mary River iron ore mine project is changing with Baffinland now wanting to ramp up its schedule for shipping from Milne Inlet.

Voters want to know Trudeau's thoughts on how resource development can work to the greatest benefit of the Inuit, not on the backs of the Inuit.

Nunavummiut have two public opportunities to see Trudeau in action. It is in their best interest to become informed about the views of the major political parties over the course of the next few months, including the credentials of individual candidates as they emerge.

The process of learning and gathering the information needed to make an informed decision in October, begins now.

Justin Trudeau is embarking on a trip northward in attempt to convince Northerners that this time his party takes the territories seriously.

He's come North to talk to the people, take in the sights and attend a rather pricey $600 fundraiser.

Despite the young leader's glamour, building inroads in the NWT is going to take a lot of work because the decades of neglect under the Liberal regime are not about to be forgotten nine years out of office.

Whereas the Liberals saw the North as little more than a storehouse for natural resources, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Conservatives see it as an opportunity for development and financial boon. Harper, even before he became prime minister, trumpeted the North as the country's future to economic greatness.

Nonetheless, the opportunity to retake the NWT seat is greater this year than any since Ethel Blondin-Andrew's 18-year run ended in 2006 when the Liberals lost power.

NWT MP Dennis Bevington has worked hard to bring Northern issues to the table despite attempts by the Conservative government to marginalize him. But he has hinted he may not run in the next federal election, depending on when it's held, and the NDP itself is facing a problem with plunging poll numbers. NDP leader Thomas Mulcair has simply not resonated with voters – unlike the late Jack Layton, a personal friend of Bevington's -- and it's showing.

The Conservatives, meanwhile, appear set this year to run another former MLA with plenty of personal baggage in the form of former premier Floyd Roland.

This is where Trudeau can jump in and try to show Northerners the Liberals are a viable centrist alternative to the NDP.

But it all comes back to history.

Past Liberal governments accomplished next to nothing when it came to the North. Never have.

Harper could be doing more but he's already done so much more than the Liberals have ever done. Devolution over resources, punted around hopelessly from one Liberal prime minister to another, will be a shiny crown to wear for whoever gets the Conservative nomination in the NWT this year, Roland or whomever.

There are several issues Trudeau should pounce on right away: the failure of Nutrition North, the outrageous high cost of living, and the stinginess of the Conservatives on infrastructure. Remember, the GNWT had to build the Deh Cho Bridge by itself.

The timing is right for Trudeau and the Liberals because the Conservatives are fast becoming a tired old government, much like the Liberals were under Jean Chretien in the early 2000s, and with the right mindset, voters may send Harper a message that things aren't what they used to be and they want a change.

But the North was never a priority for Liberals and people don't forget. That is the issue this second Trudeau must solve if he hopes to retake this seat.

Reflecting on the year that was, it is clear that late 2014 was a painful period for Fort Simpson.

From the death of Liidlii Kue First Nation Chief Minnie Letcher, to the loss of Destiny Nahanni-Hope, to the passing of elders, it seemed the losses just kept coming at the end of the year.

The pain caused by these losses led to several pointed questions for Premier Bob McLeod when he was in the village in early December.

Rita Cazon recounted how someone she knows who is depressed was simply told to call a hotline over the holidays because no counsellors would be available.

She rightly said that wasn't acceptable for people in need.

Cazon and others at the meeting expressed the need for action on mental health and addictions programming to help the people of the Deh Cho region.

The premier's response to what was brought up?

That the territorial government is working on a strategy to deal with addictions and mental health.

That's clearly not enough.

The 17th legislative assembly has several more sessions before the territorial election in November.

There's still time to take action that will help those who need it. Let's see our politicians move on the issue and help their vulnerable constituents.

It's unfortunate that the minister of Health and Social Services wasn't present.

When similar questions were raised in the legislative assembly this past fall, he spoke about a mobile additions treatment centre in the works, but not yet ready. It would spend about 48 days in a community treating those in need, then move on.

MLAs rightly pointed out this does nothing for those in a community facing an immediate need.

The premier has said that after the death of Nahanni-Hope in Wrigley in December, counselling was made available.

That's good. Hopefully that service was used by those impacted.

However, we should commend the actions of John Dempsey and his bosses who run the Northern Store.

Dempsey recognized the need among his staff members and got permission to bring in crisis counsellors to the village. The service was also opened to community members. That's both good management and is an example of good corporate citizenship.

We hope that there isn't a need for such steps this year.

Let's talk New Year's resolutions and remembrance.

It's that time of year when we start looking to the 365 days ahead and the changes we want to make. We also often reflect on what we learned in the past year, in order to help inform what those changes should be. And, of course, we also look back and just remember the good times of 2014.

Luckily, Facebook has developed its own tool for helping us remember the momentous events of the past year - at least those that we chose to share on social media.

The people of Inuvik are plugged in. Upon moving to town, this was evident from the get-go. Various Facebook pages co-ordinate the social engagements of the community, and many people turn to social media to have a dialogue on local issues.

Social media can be an excellent tool for opening discourse and connecting with others, but it can also be a black hole of unrealistic comparisons and lifestyles that seem too good to be true - which they usually are.

It's likely that a fair number of your friends (or more-so acquaintances if you aren't particularly selective) have clicked the link on Facebook, and had this year in review formulated from their last year of posts. Whether you've made one of your own, or prefer to reflect on your year without the assistance of technology, keep in mind that what you see on social media is a highlight reel, not an actual reflection of life.

If it seems like everyone in your mini-feed spent the year travelling, laughing with friends, dressing up for a big night out or announcing job promotions and engagements, just keep in mind that out of 365 days, those were only a handful. And, chances are, you had a handful of pretty great days as well - whether or not you felt the need to announce it over social media. Some would argue that if you had the thought to update your status, you probably weren't enjoying yourself that much.

Perhaps we need to be less focused on reflecting on the past year and just welcome the new year, with all that it brings.

Thoughts of envy and wishes that your life looked more like the sparkly reel produced for your friends - or that random person you met that one time and decided to become cyber-friends with - will do little in the way of positive outcomes.

If you plan on making big changes in 2015, go ahead and make them. If reflecting on your past year helps you to see where those changes can be made, then reflect. But make sure it's your own life you're looking at, and all parts of it.

The fact is, real life rarely looks like the Photoshopped version of perfection we maybe think it should, but it is a million times more rewarding to live by your own rules with both feet in reality.

Greg Robertson receiving a lifetime achievement award for his tourism business shows the industry is still going strong and has managed to evolve with the times.

The outfitter recently received the Mike Stillwell lifetime achievement award for his long career and his tourism business, Bluefish Services. The licensed outfitter, known primarily for his fishing trips on Great Slave Lake, has been in operation since 1982, and recently added a unique attraction to his business.

Four years ago, he purchased a Snobear – a self-contained ice fishing machine – and modified it into an excursion vehicle to take sightseers out for day trips. Robertson said he added this component to his business to make ice fishing more comfortable while offering his guests a neat ride in which to view the beauty of the North during winter.

This is the passion and ingenuity governments should be tapping into if it wants to advance the tourism industry. There will always be attractions such as fishing, aurora viewing and dog sledding but to attract more visitors and keep tourism vibrant, there needs to be variety and more visual cues for visitors – particularly those from Japan, and increasingly China, who dominate the winter tourism market in Yellowknife – that they are welcome to be here.

That is where lateral thinkers are needed. Bill Tait, the former president of Raven Tours, followed by Aurora World, was one of the first to see the potential of marketing aurora tours to international tourists. Current outfitters such as Robertson's Bluefish Services, Aurora Village and Beck's Kennels carry the torch.

Areas to expand winter tourism include the touring of the winter roads – made famous by Yellowknifer Alex Debogorski and his reality TV show Ice Road Truckers – and to the smaller communities outside of the city.

These would seem obvious places to develop to their tourism potential but go to Lutsel K'e – gateway to a proposed national park – one would quickly realize that tourism there – other than the one fishing lodge that has been in existence for many years – hasn't been given much thought at all.

This is where the territorial government, and in Yellowknife, the city, come in. Where is the signage in Japanese, Mandarin and Cantonese? The development of roadside and community attractions?

Premier Bob McLeod is heading up another trip to China – his fifth, at a cost of $300,000 – but what kind of bang is the territory getting for its buck? Would this money be better spent on providing grants to potential tourism operators in the territory who have the ideas and the ambition but lack the capital to get them off the ground?

Aurora tourism was up 112 per cent in 2013 from the previous year with 15,700 visitors to the territory that year. But as long as government relies entirely on the few upstarts and visionaries who have managed to survive despite a lack of tourism infrastructure, this market will remain much smaller than it ought to be.

With the shrinking Canadian dollar – now at $.86 US – the time to take advantage is now.

Upcoming conference a solid concept
Editorial Comment by Darell Greer
Kivalliq News - Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Another year has passed us by as Nunavut nears the end of its 15th anniversary.

As in our first 14 as a territory, the year had some triumphs, some failures, and some decisions that had many shaking their heads in bewilderment.

Arguably, however, the two most disturbing trends continue to be the serious disconnect between the federal government and Nunavut (see Nutrition North for glaring example), and the vocal minority who insist on keeping skin colour at the top of the problems-that-can't-be-overcome list, complete with conspiracy theories on how southern Canada is plotting to commit genocide on the Inuit way of life.

There is a slowly rising voice of Inuit trying to be heard with their message of we can't move forward if we continue to live in the past.

But, unfortunately, theirs is a message of reason and co-operation, not one of sensationalism, nor of headline-grabbing themes that cause southern media feeding frenzies like we saw in Rankin Inlet to close out 2014.

I've long come to the sad realization there are folks who get their voices heard by dropping the old standbys of colonialism, genocide and, in some cases, white privilege, without grasping the true definition of each.

One of the more recent targets of those who drop the colonialism bomb is the upcoming Nunavut at 15 conference being hosted by the Northern Institute in our nation's capital on Feb. 4 and 5.

Despite the call for a non-partisan mutual forum to discuss how Nunavut is doing - in terms of meeting the goals set in both the preparation stages of the land claim agreement and the official creation of our territory in 1999 -- the conference is being dubbed colonial in some quarters because it's being hosted in Ottawa, not Iqaluit.

National and southern media outlets are all too happy to play that up because they're not particularly enamoured with its structure.

In what this humble scribe sees as a smart move, media covering the event will not be able to quote speakers directly from the forum, having to, instead, ask them during breaks if they're willing to go on the record.

Much the same approach was taken by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission when those who spoke of their residential school experiences were given the choice to speak in a public forum or in private.

The approach allows participants to speak openly and honestly without fear of their remarks being taken out of context and, perhaps more importantly, without fear of whether their opinion happens to be in vogue.

To top it all off, the conference promises only speakers who actually know what they're talking about.

There's a brave new concept you have to support!

The plan is for a summary of the conference to be posted on the Northern Institute's website.

The early list of speakers is a solid one, including, among others, Premier Peter Taptuna, Languages Commissioner Sandra Inutiq and former premier Eva Aariak.

What remains to be seen is who among the country's movers and shakers will deem the conference important enough to attend.

You can be sure that, far more than the conference location, will be a good indicator of who is on our side and who, perhaps, is not.

We welcome your opinions. Click here to e-mail a letter to the editor.